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WorldSBK: Bautista Says “We Start From A Worse Position Than The Others”
Outspoken ahead of San Juan
Touching down in South America, WorldSBK is ready to tango in Argentina as Thursday’s debriefs revealed plenty ahead of the Motul Argentinean Round
Arriving in Argentina and at the foot of the jaw-dropping awe-inspiring Andes, the 2022 MOTUL FIM Superbike World Championship race is reaching the summit to its season, with just three rounds and nine races to go. With the titanic trio of 2022 all still in with contention, the Motul Argentinean Round could be the most pivotal round yet as the Circuito San Juan Villicum beckons. We caught up with all of the stars of the show across all five manufacturers and tension and pressure builds ahead of WorldSBK’s annual visit to South America.
Alvaro Bautista (Aruba.it Racing – Ducati): “We start from a worse position than the others… I don’t know what to expect”
“I have good memories from three years ago as I won my first race here in San Juan, but now it’s different because it’s been a while since then. This weekend will be very important as we have to be very focussed, especially on Friday, as we start from a worse position than the other riders; we need to recover the reference of this track and work harder, so we can do a good performance as soon as possible. Three years ago, I was quite fast on Saturday but had some problems on Sunday, so sincerely, I don’t know what to expect. Last year, Scott was really fast. If we can arrive to our performance like in the last races, then we can be competitive. I’m enjoying the bike a lot and I’d like to have more races! In any case, we have three weekends and nine races, and I will try to enjoy them all, try my best and then we’ll see. I prefer to go practice by practice, race by race, enjoy every moment and then, after the last race of the season, we will see how our position is.”
Toprak Razgatlioglu (Pata Yamaha with Brixx WorldSBK): “Every year, I’ve taken a podium here… this year, I’ll try for three wins!”
“I’m really happy to be back in Argentina; I love this track. In 2018, 2019 and 2021… every year, I’ve taken a podium! Also, last year, I took two wins and one third. This year, I’ll try for three wins! We are very strong; Jonny is very strong too but I’m just thinking in the long straight because the Ducati will have an advantage. We will see in the races as they’re very important; we will keep fighting. I think the best track will be in Indonesia, as there’re no long straights. However, it’s important here as we’re focussed on this race and this weekend.”
Jonathan Rea (Kawasaki Racing Team WorldSBK): “We really made a step forward, just not enough… we’ll roll our sleeves up!”
“You’re never out of the Championship until it’s over but I’m so far away now, I’m just thinking about maximising our opportunities and trying to be competitive. I want to be on the podium but also, I want to fight for race wins. Portimao was a weekend where we really targeted to win a race there. We can’t be too hard on ourselves because I feel like we really made a step forward, just not enough. Alvaro and Toprak are incredibly strong right now, together with their teams. It’s up to us to try and close that deficit down and challenge. Nobody deserves to win here in WorldSBK, you have to really earn it and work for it. That’s what we’ll do. We’ll roll our sleeves up, try and put a bike together that can compete with them.”
Scott Redding (BMW Motorrad WorldSBK Team): “We can change something quite radical on the bike”
“The super concession is that we can change something quite radical on the bike. What we would change, I don’t know at this moment. There are areas that I would like to change a lot of things, but you get just the one opportunity. You need to make sure it’s the right one for the engine, the chassis, the aero… we need to see. At the moment, we’re just working to find the right direction, so we have the biggest advantage for next year.”
Xavi Vierge (Team HRC): “Next year, we’ll have many new things and new parts”
“It’s a difficult track because it has everything. You have the first sector which has a fast change of direction and quite fast corners. Then you have a very, very long straight. We arrive to sector three and four and it’s the opposite, it’s really tight corners. It’ll be difficult to find a bike that works well for the whole track. We need to work hard and try to adapt as soon as possible. For sure, the super concessions will help us and thanks to this, next year, we’ll have many new things and new parts so we can fight at the top, so for that, I’m really happy.”
Leandro Mercado (MIE Racing Honda Team): “It’s a special weekend… I won’t continue with MIE Racing in 2023”
“For me, it’s a very special weekend. I’m really happy to be back here in San Juan. It’s very special to have my family, friends and all the fans. For all riders to race in a home round is very nice. I’m looking forward to having a good weekend and enjoying it. I want to have a good weekend, three good races and improve compared to the last races. We have some new things and a new crew chief for this round and the last two rounds. We have many things that need to come together now, but, of course, I want to give my maximum, make a step and enjoy the race weekend here. For next year, I’m looking around. I won’t continue with MIE Racing; we’ll see what the future brings. Of course, I need to be competitive and to have fun, but we’ll see. We have three rounds and then I’ll decide.”
CCS Amateur Gendron-Belen Planning To Race In Mexico In 2023
Elisa Gendron-Belen caps amateur career 40 for 40 at her 2023 season finale at Daytona International Speedway with ASRA/CCS!
Elisa Gendron-Belen, wrapping up her final season as an amateur racer competed in 40 ASRA/CCS races this year on her Kawasaki Ninja 400, finishing on the podium in every race! With 24 wins, 11 second-place finishes and five third-place finishes, Gendron-Belen has made it clear she is ready to move to the Expert class next year. While at the Daytona round she participated in five races, with three wins and two seconds.
“I had positive expectations going into this season,” said Gendron-Belen. “But, finishing the year with this type of success is very rewarding. I can’t thank my family, sponsors and other supporters enough for the opportunity to follow my racing and career dreams.”
Gendron-Belen also competed in two rounds of the Italika Racing International Women’s Cup in Latin America, with a top-10 finish. While a broken wrist from a training incident in August prevented her from racing in the last two rounds, the experience has left her with an appetite for more, and she plans to return to Mexico for each round and compete in the entire series in 2023. She will also continue to campaign several classes as an Expert during the 2023 season in the ASRA/CCS series, both with her Kawasaki Ninja 400 and on her Aprilia RS 660.
Elisa is a sophomore Sport Management major at St. John Fisher University in Rochester, NY with a minor in International Studies. The multi-lingual athlete plans a career in the motorsports industry. She is looking forward to internship opportunities in the U.S. and abroad with race teams and motorsports suppliers and manufacturers.
Be sure to like or follow Elisa on social media
– Instagram: @racingclassy2
For more information and to schedule interviews with Elisa Gendron-Belen, email [email protected] or call 315-525-6935
Elisa is sponsored by:
New York Safety Track
EvolveGT
Charlie’s Chop Shop
Certified Knee Draggers
Bauce Racing
Bison Track Leathers
MotoGP: Quartararo Says “I Have Nothing To Lose Right Now”
“If he did it, we can do it”: Thursday talking points
Hear from Bagnaia, Quartararo, Aleix Espargaro, Bastianini, Marc Marquez and Rins
Thursday, 20 October 2022
Here. We. GO! It’s #MatchPointPecco this weekend and ahead of track action, Thursday offered up another two Press Conferences. The first was the top three contenders ahead of a pivotal weekend; Francesco Bagnaia (Ducati Lenovo Team), Fabio Quartararo (Monster Energy Yamaha MotoGP™) and Aleix Espargaro (Aprilia Racing), and the second two headliners from Down Under: Alex Rins (Team Suzuki Ecstar) and Marc Marquez (Repsol Honda Team), as well as another contender looking to stay in the fight: Enea Bastianini (Gresini Racing MotoGP™).
Here are some key quotes!
QUOTES
FRANCESCO BAGNAIA
How are you feeling; calm or nervous?
“In this moment, I’m quite calm, because finally I know that our potential can be high. If we continue working like we did in the second half of the season, we can do a really good job. The main question here is the weather because it looks like it can rain on Saturday and Sunday, but let’s see. It’s always very difficult to predict the weather here, but I think, if we work well, we have a great possibility.”
Is it possible to treat this like a normal weekend?
“For sure, an Italian has not won the MotoGP™ title since 2009, and Ducati has not won the [riders’] title since 2007. It would be my first title in MotoGP™ so, for sure, the pressure is there. I feel that I’ll start having the pressure*, but in this moment, I’m quite happy. I know that we did something really good this year, but we still have to finish the job and my main focus in this moment is on that.”
Does the experience from winning Moto2 title here in 2018 help at all? Have you spoken to Rossi about how he handled the pressure?
“My season is totally different compared to 2018, because there, it was very hard and it was my first title. But I feel more relaxed in this moment compared to 2018, but it’s something that will totally change tomorrow or Sunday, because normally you start to feel the pressure on the race day.”
Tested here, but how do you feel about the competitiveness of the bike now?
“I wasn’t believing that our potential was what we demonstrated in the test because we were very slow. I was trying to understand, I was trying to work, but it was very difficult to be constant, to be competitive, and from that moment, sincerely, we worked very hard to achieve this level. Sincerely, the biggest improvement was in Portimao – when we were in Jerez, everything was already at the top level – and from that moment, we have just adjusted something. But I think the biggest improvement from that moment was on me, finally on my mentality. In the second part of the season, it was the things I think that have given me more motivation to be here.”
FABIO QUARTARARO
Mission to enjoy yourself and get a result to keep the title alive?
“Especially you know, last races I didn’t enjoy so much but you know right now I’m in a position where I don’t really need to think about anything, just push myself to the limit. It’s of course a different mentality and I will of course make this GP in a different mood.”
How will the approach change?
“I would not say really pressure but I have the feeling I have nothing to lose right now in this moment, so of course I will approach the race putting myself on the limit from the beginning of the weekend, make some changes on the bike at the beginning of the weekend. Try to make some changes on the bike, I think this is something – every time we go to a track we feel super good and never touch something. I think it’s a good moment to, even if we have a good feeling, try to make an improvement in some areas. I think it’s a different situation than the previous ones.”
Does Pecco’s comeback give you hope?
“It’s not over. If he did it, we can do it. Like I said, of course the second part of the season has been horrible, but we can make it turn and try to really perform during these last two races.”
How do you think this year’s Yamaha will perform in Malaysia?
“Also in 2019 we struggled a bit in the last sector on the two long straights, but it’s a track I really enjoy, it’s one of my favourites. I will do my best to make the best qualifying, this is super important for us, and then we see during the weekend. The pace is always super good in all the places but it depends a lot on qualifying.”
What are you hoping for from Yamaha in 2023 to give you more margin to the limit?
“More margin, not sure as I think these two guys are also pushing to the limit. But just better performance, we are missing in every area, not only engine, so they know what they need to do. It’s not necessary to repeat it all the time, from the beginning of the year we have had meetings and they are working on it, and the Misano Test was positive with the engine. Let’s see if they can make a step on chassis.”
ALEIX ESPARGARO
Proud moment given 300th GP appearance coming up:
“Yes, I’m happy and proud, because to arrive in the MotoGP™ World Championship is the dream of every kid who loves bikes, but to be able to stay for such a long career is even more difficult, and 300 Grands Prix is crazy. I saw the stats last week, I saw the five names in front of me, and it’s unbelievable. I’m extremely happy and proud and hopefully I can make it one to remember here in Malaysia.”
Aim is to enjoy weekend and stay in title contention for VAL?
“Exactly, this is the target. The goal is to try and stop Pecco, which is going to be difficult because the form he showed in recent races – actually, the second part of the Championship – has been amazing, but I will try my best. I have the feeling that it’s more lost than won, this title, for me, so I can risk a little bit more, be a little bit more aggressive on race day, and hopefully bring it to Valencia.”
How much are you looking forward to this weekend and seeing how much your bike has improved since Sepang test?
“I mean, testing is testing, but in pre-season we were very strong, very fast, and we did a fast lap, but also we had consistency regarding the pace. But, from last February to here, everybody has improved quite a lot, but anyway I think it’s a track where the bike will work well. We have a lot of data that we didn’t have in Australia, Thailand, Japan, so, from the pre-season, here in Malaysia we have some data, even if we haven’t raced here since 2019. So, I think the Aprilia will be competitive here.”
What lessons have you learnt to ensure you will be fighting for title in 2023?
“We saw that in the races we didn’t have data, we struggled a lot. We lost a lot of time doing basic things like gearbox and many other things because the data we have from ’19 is completely useless for us – we have changed completely. So, I think it’s a good school for us in the future. We lost a lot of points in recent races, but if we are able to learn about this and change, a little bit, the way we work on these new tracks and we have the data for the future, I think we’re going to be stronger next season.”
ENEA BASTIANINI
Talk to us about the AUS comeback, and could you have won the race without your problems (qual 15th, airbag go off, drop to 20th)?
“It’s always difficult to say this after a race but, on the second lap, I had some bumps exiting the last corner and my airbag exploded; it’s very difficult to do that lap. In any case, after that, my feeling was quite good. The choice to put the hard on the front was the correct one, I think, and I closed the gap on the last lap, and it was possible to try and get onto the podium that Sunday. But, I’m really happy about my race because I have never had a good result at Phillip Island and it’s my first one, and we will see what we can do next year, but I’m happy.”
Where were you particularly strong here in winter test (when fastest) and can you fight for podium on Sunday?
“When I tried the ’21 bike during the test, I remember I was really excited because the bike was so strong and it was really beautiful to ride here. The conditions are really difficult, also physically at the Malaysian GP. It will be really hard but I’m ready to fight with the other riders and I think it will be more difficult than the test because the other Ducati riders and the ’22 bikes made a good step after two or three races, and my results also depend on this. But, we are ready to start, and to close this season in the best mode possible.”
Are you thinking about your chance for the Championship?
“My chance is very small, but I’ll try to do my best and it will be important to be fast on Friday because qualifying is always key to MotoGP™ now, and if you start behind, it’s difficult. Also, at this track, it’s really hot, and the pressure in the tyre will come up, but I’ll try to close this Championship in the top three because I think Aleix is the closest and can be our target.”
Do you think Bagnaia will win Championship this weekend?
“I think Pecco has this potential because Ducati is so strong but also Pecco is really fast at this track. But it depends also on Fabio because he has to be motivated to try to win the title and I think we will see tomorrow his potential for the weekend.”
MARC MARQUEZ
What did the result mean to you and the team?
“Yeah of course we take away from Australia really positive energy and some extra motivation I would say. When you, Honda, the engineers are working so hard, when the team has suffered, I suffered at home but they suffered at the track all season, and when some good news arrives, some good results – already in Japan with the pole, Thailand fighting with the top guys and the podium in Australia, means a lot. It’s important, it’s an important boost for next year. It’s true we’ll come back to our real place here because Australia is a very special circuit and one of my favourite tracks, but we’ll keep working for 2023, my main target is to keep on that positive evolution and it looks like we achieved it.”
Is keeping the balance between working for 2023 and focusing on now tricky?
“In Phillip Island we had many new items and we tried on Friday, then on Saturday I pushed to change the schedule because I saw it was possible to take a good result. I said ‘please, I want to concentrate for the race’, and then we forget a bit and we concentrate more on the weekend. But Malaysia is a good track to try new things, I will try a few new things tomorrow and we will continue if the weather accepts, I will continue on trying new things because it’s important, it’s the deadline for the Valencia Test. I will try the maximum, we will go out there and take a risk but always thinking about trying new things.”
Are these things already tried but are they new things for this weekend?
“In Australia I didn’t get to finish trying all these things. For example the tail wings, one example, the one you can see. The others I can’t say. I tried one run and we didn’t get good information so I will try here, but we have a few different things that someone inside Honda needs to try and we don’t have time, so we need to do it during a race weekend so I accept this role.”
Will this be the biggest physical test since the 4th operation?
“As I say in Thailand, three races in a row I felt like I needed a rest but it was important, but as soon as I got on the bike in Australia I felt a big improvement. Not only in the Australia GP, the way the muscles recovered from Australia to Malaysia was faster, and the muscles are relaxed in a better way. This track is one of the most difficult and most demanding for the hot conditions. But we are ready to fight and I don’t want to think about the arm anymore, it’s true we’ll improve especially during the winter, but I will try to give my 100% as we are.”
Thoughts on the Championship…
“Yes it’s the first chance for Pecco, he has a big chance to do it here. But I will say it’s the last chance for Fabio so he needs to react, and as a Champion he will react I expect. It will be nice to see how they will push all weekend, especially Fabio, as we did in Australia he took a risk, but here he has to take the real risk if he wants to have a chance in Valencia.”
ALEX RINS
How many times have you watched Phillip Island race already, and how much of a boost to you and Suzuki?
“For sure, we watched the race three or four times with the team before getting on the plane. It was so nice; I mean, it was an iconic race. As you said, it was the second-closest top 10 finish, so it was unbelievable, but I’m already thinking about the Sepang GP and let’s see. I have good memories from recent years here – 2018, ’19 – and also in the pre-season test, we were able to do a good test, a good set-up on the bike. We have some new items on the bike compared to February that can help us a little bit to improve the pace that we were doing in the winter test, so let’s go for it.”
Does your February performance make you confident of fighting for podium?
“I mean, it’s the target. The target always, in every race, is to try to fight for the podium positions. I think we have the level, we have the bike, so let’s go for it. Everything can change. Also, we need to see the weather conditions – it looks like on Sunday for the race, from 2 to 4pm, we will have rain. But we will start from Friday, giving everything, and then look at our chances.”
What has been your assessment of Honda’s performance?
“Sincerely, for me, Honda started the season quite strongly in Qatar. Pol made the podium, he was super-fast, also in the pre-season test he was impressive. After Marc came back, it’s true that he’s riding with some new items that the others, I think, are not riding with, and I saw the bike quite good. For sure, they need to improve a little bit more, but in the race in Phillip Island, when he was riding in front of me, I saw the bike turning quite well. Let’s see.”
Do you think Bagnaia will win Championship this weekend?
“For sure, he has the first chance to win the Championship here in Malaysia. It will be difficult for Fabio and Aleix because, as Enea says, in the winter test, the Ducati guys here were riding quite fast. But, I hope it waits until Valencia; it’s more exciting. It’s the last GP, the last in Spain – I would like it to wait until Valencia.”
Video: Ducati Unveils 2023 Streetfighter V4 Models
Ducati Unveils New 2023 Streetfighter V4 and Streetfighter V4 SP2: The “Fight Formula” Evolution
The Ducati Streetfighter V4 family evolves, applying the developments of the Panigale V4 range to the “Fight Formula”
New chassis set-up and more extensive and effective electronic package: new torque curves for each gear, Wet Riding Mode, Full Engine Mode
The Streetfighter V4 SP2 adds the exclusive technical specifications of the “SP” models to express its full potential on the track
Borgo Panigale (Bologna, Italy), October 20, 2022 – In the fifth episode of the 2023 Ducati World Première web series, Ducati presented the new Streetfighter V4 family. Ducati continues the evolution of the winning “Fight Formula” to remain at the top of the segment with the V4 and V4 S models, together with the more exclusive V4 SP2, delivers an unrivaled level of equipment.
Unveiled in 2020, the Streetfighter V4 was an instant success and set new performance benchmarks in the super sports naked segment. Appreciated for its aggressive and minimalist aesthetic and characterized by a front inspired by the Joker from the comic series, the Streetfighter V4 immediately entered the hearts of enthusiasts.
The natural evolution of the family is a bike that pushes the concepts of the “Fight Formula” even further, the key elements of which are the Panigale V4 stripped of the fairings, high and wide handlebars, 392 lbs (178 kg) weight, 208 hp Desmosedici Stradale engine, biplane wings and latest generation electronic package. An evolution that follows that of the Panigale V4 family.
The 2023 Ducati Streetfighter V4 conveys sportiness, through the standard single-seater configuration with the supplied seat and passenger footrests.
The design of the Streetfighter V4 is direct and minimal, with its full-LED front light and its V-shaped DRL that replicates the Panigale V4’s front view. The low, forward-canted front, extending the tank’s strong lines, gives a predator look to the Streetfighter V4.
The fuel tank has the same shapes as the 2022 Panigale V4, which is designed to better support the rider during braking and cornering. It has a greater capacity (4.5 gal) and is supported by new side covers.
The new “Front Frame” and the Desmosedici Stradale are left uncovered as much as possible, with minimal bodywork and streamlined lines, creating a clean, essential combination. In the V4 S version, the 2023 Streetfighter is available in a new, Grey Nero livery, with the contrast between the grey and the various black tones – dark and lucid bodywork, that brings out the technical components like brakes and suspension, and gives the motorcycle an ever more aggressive, but still refined look.
Electronics
The new Streetfighter implements the Power Modes logic already developed in the Ducati Panigale V4 and V4 S, obviously with calibrations dedicated to the Desmosedici Stradale engine in the Streetfighter configuration. There are four engine delivery strategies: Full, High, Medium, and Low. Full and Low are newly developed, while High and Medium have been revised in strategy. Full Power Mode allows the engine to have its full potential torque without electronic intervention, except for in the first gear. For the High and Medium Power Modes, a new Ride by Wire map management system has been developed with a dedicated calibration for each of the six gears, which ensures the rider to obtains the best possible acceleration every time the throttle is opened. On the other hand, the Low Power Mode has been designed for riding on low-grip surfaces, limiting the maximum power of the bike to 165 hp and offering a softer and more manageable throttle response. The dedicated Streetfighter V4 calibrations provide the rider with maximum connection between the throttle request and the torque delivered.
The 2023 Streetfighter V4 sees the introduction of the brand-new Wet Riding Mode to make riding even safer on low-grip surfaces. The standard equipment is upgraded by a lithium-ion battery for the S and the SP2 version (which is 3.7 lbs lighter than the previous one and already equipped on the Streetfighter V4 SP).
The dashboard of the 2023 Streetfighter V4 also follows the evolution followed by the Panigale V4. The graphics are revised in all views, to make the information more straightforward and allows the rider to make calibration adjustments easier.
As on the Panigale V4, the gear indicator is indicated via an external green LED signal. The dashboard offers the “Track Evo” display mode, which replicates the layout used on the MotoGP Desmosedici and provides an immediate view of the most important information and the intervention of the electronic controls.
The 2023 Streetfighter V4 also evolves due to the new Engine Brake Control (EBC) EVO 2 software which improves stability, precision and directionality in the braking and corner entry phases. This software features a different gear-by-gear calibration on each of the three selectable levels. The new strategy was developed to optimize the amount of the engine brake based on the load on the rear end. In the first braking phase, when there is little load on the rear tire, the EBC EVO 2 provides less engine brake, then increases it as you approach the center of the corner, where the intervention of the engine brake makes the most significant contribution in slowing down the bike and closing the line. This improvement provides additional control using the engine braking in all riding conditions and reduces the rear wheel from locking up in the most demanding braking sections.
The 2023 Streetfighter V4 also implements a new strategy for the Ducati Quick Shift (DQS) which improves the fluidity of shifting at every throttle opening, having dedicated strategies with the two situations for when the throttle is partially or fully open.
In partial throttle shifting, the strategy acts both through an injection cut and a reduction of ignition advance, making shifting smoother on roads.
In full throttle shifting, typical of track use, the DQS strategy is refined with an evolution of the torque return phase that gives more stability to the bike and more consistency, therefore reducing lap times.
Finally, the cooling fan control strategy sees an update that now offers better operating temperature management and greater thermal comfort for the rider at typical road use speeds.
Chassis and Ergonomics
On the new Streetfighter V4, the chassis also follows the evolution of the Panigale V4 family to offer enthusiasts stability improvements, front-end feeling and riding safety. The chassis includes a Front Frame and a single-sided swingarm, both in aluminum, with an upside-down fork and mechanically adjustable shock absorber on the V4 version.
The Streetfighter V4 S features semi-active Öhlins suspension (NIX30 upside-down 43 mm fork and TTX36 shock absorber) with SmartEC 2.0 interface, gaining versatility, effectiveness and quickness in set-up. In addition, on the V4 S version, the rims are Marchesini forged in aluminum alloy with important benefits in terms of nimbleness when changing direction and responsiveness in acceleration and braking due to the reduction of unsprung weight.
As on the Panigale V4, the swingarm pivot of the 2023 Streetfighter V4 is positioned .16 in (4 mm) higher, increasing the anti-squat action that helps the rider with greater stability, precision and the ability to maintain the trajectory in all acceleration situations.
The weight distribution also moves towards the front, loading it more and thus increasing accuracy and speed in corner entry. Finally, the ergonomics benefit from the new layout of the fuel tank, the shape of which offers greater support to the rider during braking and cornering. The wet weight of the 2022 Streetfighter V4 S stands at 435.4 lbs (197.5 kg).
Engine
The 1,103 cc Desmosedici Stradale, capable of delivering 208 hp at 13,000 rpm and 123 Nm, has seen a revised calibration to match the larger diameter of the silencer outlet, introduced to reduce the exhaust back pressure. In addition, on the right side there is the clutch cover of the Panigale V4, which allows you to mount the dry clutch and the clutch cover protection easily.
Streetfighter V4 SP2
To push the performance of the 2023 Streetfighter V4 even further, Ducati also presents the top-of-the-range Streetfighter V4 SP2 model in a numbered version. A bike ready to hit the track, the “Fight Formula” combined with the “SP” specifications, making it even more effective on the track.
The Streetfighter V4 SP2 is offered in the “Winter Test” livery, designed by the Centro Stile Ducati taking inspiration from the Ducati Corse bikes used during the pre-season tests of the MotoGP and WorldSBK Championships. The matte black of the bodywork, combined with the matte carbon finish of the rims and wings, contrasts with the bright red accents and the brilliance of the exposed brushed aluminum tank, which we also find on the side covers of the radiators. The progressive number of the bike is lasered on the handlebar.
The Streetfighter V4 SP2 is equipped with 5 split-spoke carbon rims, 3.1 lbs (1.4 kg) lighter than the forged aluminum ones mounted on the Streetfighter V4 S and able to reduce the moment of inertia by 26% at the front and 46% at the rear, making the bike significantly more nimble and lighter when changing direction. The Brembo Stylema R® front brake calipers give high braking power and exceptionally consistent performance even in the case of extended use on the track.
On the Streetfighter V4 SP2, the Desmosedici Stradale is equipped with the STM-EVO SBK dry clutch, which provides an improved slipper function, even in the most aggressive situations, and more fluidity in all “off-throttle” phases, essential to be effective on the track when riding at the limit.
The Öhlins suspension has seen an update with springs and hydraulics identical to those of the Panigale V4, which provide the rider the right confidence for riding at the limit.
The equipment is completed by adjustable machined aluminum foot-pegs that increase the lean angle and allow the rider to find the optimal position while riding, carbon front mudguard, carbon clutch cover**, block-off covers for removing the license plate holder and mirrors**.
Colors and Availability
The Streetfighter V4 V4 S and SP models will be available in the U.S. and Canadian dealerships starting in Spring 2023. The color range consists of Ducati Red and the new “Grey and Nero” livery, which will be available only for the “S” version and the Winter Test livery for the SP version. The United States pricing for the Streetfighter V4 will begin at an MSRP of $22,095 for the Streetfighter V4 in Ducati Red color, with the Streetfighter V4 S starting at $27,595 in Ducati Red and $27,795 for the Grey/Nero color, while the V4 SP will begin at an MSRP of $37,995 with the Winter Test livery. For Canada, the Streetfighter V4 will start at an MSRP of $27,295 CAD for the Ducati Red and the Streetfighter V4 S will start at an MSRP of $31,395 for Ducati Red and $31,595 CAD for Grey and Nero, while the SP version will start at an MSRP of $47,995 CAD with the Winter Test livery.
A wide range of accessories allows you to customize the Streetfighter V4 making it even sportier, starting with the Ducati Performance by Akrapovič full-racing exhaust**. Equipped with high silencers at the side of the tail, it allows a reduction of the total weight of 11 lbs (5 kilos) and raises the maximum power to 220 hp. Noise is within the limit of 105 dB (102 dB with the dB killer installed).
The accessories catalog also features street-legal slip-on systems, mudguards, an aero kit and carbon fiber frame and crankcase protections, billet aluminum controls, but also tire warmers and stands for those who want to use their Streetfighter V4 on the circuit.
#StreetfighterV4 #PushForward #StreetfighterV4SP2 #TheUltimateFormula
** This product is intended for vehicles used only on closed-course circuits. Operation on public roads is prohibited by law
Bagger Racing League: More From Daytona
Shane Narbonne Secures Second Consecutive Bagger Racing League Title on Pirelli DIABLO Superbike Slicks
Narbonne Takes the Bagger GP Class Win and Championship at Daytona
ATLANTA (October 19, 2022) – Pirelli Tire North America congratulates Trask Performance Racing’s Shane Narbonne on capturing his second consecutive Bagger Racing League Series Championship in the Bagger GP class. The final round of the season at Daytona International Speedway saw Narbonne capture the Bagger GP class victory aboard his Pirelli DIABLO Superbike-equipped Harley-Davidson, which was all he needed to clinch the 2022 title.
“I want to give a huge thank you to Pirelli for the amazing support they’ve provided me all season,” said Narbonne. “The tires Pirelli produces are just amazing and allow me to go out on the track and perform at the highest level. Also, thank you to Oscar and his entire team for their support on and off of the track. Pirelli Nation, we did it!”
Narbonne displayed speed and consistency throughout the four-round championship, finishing the season with two wins and two runner-up finishes. As the checkered flag waved in Daytona, he would be crowned champion with 22 points to spare on his nearest competitor.
“The Trask team with Shane as the pilot has been very exciting to work with,” said Oscar Solis, Senior Racing Manager, Pirelli. “They have come a very long way from their first race in 2021 to now. The entire team work extremely hard day in and day out and are always up for the challenge. Congrats to Shane and every member of the Trask racing team!”
Whether it’s a superbike or v-twin, Pirelli remains the motorcycle tire of choice for North American riders looking to reach the top step of the podium and log fast laps at events and series that do not have a spec tire rule. Narbonne’s Harley-Davidson Road Glide 1753 relied on the performance of the DIABLO Superbike range, displaying the capability and performance required to compete at the highest level in bagger racing.
For more information about the complete line of Pirelli motorcycle tires, please visit Pirelli.com
DIABLOTM is a registered trademark of Pirelli Tire S.p.A
Moto2: Gonzalez P1, SDK P14 And Top American In Dry-To-Wet FP2
MotoGP: Brad Binder Under Race Lap Record In FP1 At Sepang
Moto2: Fernandez Fastest In FP1 At Sepang
WorldSBK: Bautista Says “We Start From A Worse Position Than The Others”
Outspoken ahead of San Juan
Touching down in South America, WorldSBK is ready to tango in Argentina as Thursday’s debriefs revealed plenty ahead of the Motul Argentinean Round
Arriving in Argentina and at the foot of the jaw-dropping awe-inspiring Andes, the 2022 MOTUL FIM Superbike World Championship race is reaching the summit to its season, with just three rounds and nine races to go. With the titanic trio of 2022 all still in with contention, the Motul Argentinean Round could be the most pivotal round yet as the Circuito San Juan Villicum beckons. We caught up with all of the stars of the show across all five manufacturers and tension and pressure builds ahead of WorldSBK’s annual visit to South America.
Alvaro Bautista (Aruba.it Racing – Ducati): “We start from a worse position than the others… I don’t know what to expect”
“I have good memories from three years ago as I won my first race here in San Juan, but now it’s different because it’s been a while since then. This weekend will be very important as we have to be very focussed, especially on Friday, as we start from a worse position than the other riders; we need to recover the reference of this track and work harder, so we can do a good performance as soon as possible. Three years ago, I was quite fast on Saturday but had some problems on Sunday, so sincerely, I don’t know what to expect. Last year, Scott was really fast. If we can arrive to our performance like in the last races, then we can be competitive. I’m enjoying the bike a lot and I’d like to have more races! In any case, we have three weekends and nine races, and I will try to enjoy them all, try my best and then we’ll see. I prefer to go practice by practice, race by race, enjoy every moment and then, after the last race of the season, we will see how our position is.”
Toprak Razgatlioglu (Pata Yamaha with Brixx WorldSBK): “Every year, I’ve taken a podium here… this year, I’ll try for three wins!”
“I’m really happy to be back in Argentina; I love this track. In 2018, 2019 and 2021… every year, I’ve taken a podium! Also, last year, I took two wins and one third. This year, I’ll try for three wins! We are very strong; Jonny is very strong too but I’m just thinking in the long straight because the Ducati will have an advantage. We will see in the races as they’re very important; we will keep fighting. I think the best track will be in Indonesia, as there’re no long straights. However, it’s important here as we’re focussed on this race and this weekend.”
Jonathan Rea (Kawasaki Racing Team WorldSBK): “We really made a step forward, just not enough… we’ll roll our sleeves up!”
“You’re never out of the Championship until it’s over but I’m so far away now, I’m just thinking about maximising our opportunities and trying to be competitive. I want to be on the podium but also, I want to fight for race wins. Portimao was a weekend where we really targeted to win a race there. We can’t be too hard on ourselves because I feel like we really made a step forward, just not enough. Alvaro and Toprak are incredibly strong right now, together with their teams. It’s up to us to try and close that deficit down and challenge. Nobody deserves to win here in WorldSBK, you have to really earn it and work for it. That’s what we’ll do. We’ll roll our sleeves up, try and put a bike together that can compete with them.”
Scott Redding (BMW Motorrad WorldSBK Team): “We can change something quite radical on the bike”
“The super concession is that we can change something quite radical on the bike. What we would change, I don’t know at this moment. There are areas that I would like to change a lot of things, but you get just the one opportunity. You need to make sure it’s the right one for the engine, the chassis, the aero… we need to see. At the moment, we’re just working to find the right direction, so we have the biggest advantage for next year.”
Xavi Vierge (Team HRC): “Next year, we’ll have many new things and new parts”
“It’s a difficult track because it has everything. You have the first sector which has a fast change of direction and quite fast corners. Then you have a very, very long straight. We arrive to sector three and four and it’s the opposite, it’s really tight corners. It’ll be difficult to find a bike that works well for the whole track. We need to work hard and try to adapt as soon as possible. For sure, the super concessions will help us and thanks to this, next year, we’ll have many new things and new parts so we can fight at the top, so for that, I’m really happy.”
Leandro Mercado (MIE Racing Honda Team): “It’s a special weekend… I won’t continue with MIE Racing in 2023”
“For me, it’s a very special weekend. I’m really happy to be back here in San Juan. It’s very special to have my family, friends and all the fans. For all riders to race in a home round is very nice. I’m looking forward to having a good weekend and enjoying it. I want to have a good weekend, three good races and improve compared to the last races. We have some new things and a new crew chief for this round and the last two rounds. We have many things that need to come together now, but, of course, I want to give my maximum, make a step and enjoy the race weekend here. For next year, I’m looking around. I won’t continue with MIE Racing; we’ll see what the future brings. Of course, I need to be competitive and to have fun, but we’ll see. We have three rounds and then I’ll decide.”
CCS Amateur Gendron-Belen Planning To Race In Mexico In 2023
Elisa Gendron-Belen caps amateur career 40 for 40 at her 2023 season finale at Daytona International Speedway with ASRA/CCS!
Elisa Gendron-Belen, wrapping up her final season as an amateur racer competed in 40 ASRA/CCS races this year on her Kawasaki Ninja 400, finishing on the podium in every race! With 24 wins, 11 second-place finishes and five third-place finishes, Gendron-Belen has made it clear she is ready to move to the Expert class next year. While at the Daytona round she participated in five races, with three wins and two seconds.
“I had positive expectations going into this season,” said Gendron-Belen. “But, finishing the year with this type of success is very rewarding. I can’t thank my family, sponsors and other supporters enough for the opportunity to follow my racing and career dreams.”
Gendron-Belen also competed in two rounds of the Italika Racing International Women’s Cup in Latin America, with a top-10 finish. While a broken wrist from a training incident in August prevented her from racing in the last two rounds, the experience has left her with an appetite for more, and she plans to return to Mexico for each round and compete in the entire series in 2023. She will also continue to campaign several classes as an Expert during the 2023 season in the ASRA/CCS series, both with her Kawasaki Ninja 400 and on her Aprilia RS 660.
Elisa is a sophomore Sport Management major at St. John Fisher University in Rochester, NY with a minor in International Studies. The multi-lingual athlete plans a career in the motorsports industry. She is looking forward to internship opportunities in the U.S. and abroad with race teams and motorsports suppliers and manufacturers.
Be sure to like or follow Elisa on social media
– Instagram: @racingclassy2
For more information and to schedule interviews with Elisa Gendron-Belen, email [email protected] or call 315-525-6935
Elisa is sponsored by:
New York Safety Track
EvolveGT
Charlie’s Chop Shop
Certified Knee Draggers
Bauce Racing
Bison Track Leathers
MotoGP: Quartararo Says “I Have Nothing To Lose Right Now”
“If he did it, we can do it”: Thursday talking points
Hear from Bagnaia, Quartararo, Aleix Espargaro, Bastianini, Marc Marquez and Rins
Thursday, 20 October 2022
Here. We. GO! It’s #MatchPointPecco this weekend and ahead of track action, Thursday offered up another two Press Conferences. The first was the top three contenders ahead of a pivotal weekend; Francesco Bagnaia (Ducati Lenovo Team), Fabio Quartararo (Monster Energy Yamaha MotoGP™) and Aleix Espargaro (Aprilia Racing), and the second two headliners from Down Under: Alex Rins (Team Suzuki Ecstar) and Marc Marquez (Repsol Honda Team), as well as another contender looking to stay in the fight: Enea Bastianini (Gresini Racing MotoGP™).
Here are some key quotes!
QUOTES
FRANCESCO BAGNAIA
How are you feeling; calm or nervous?
“In this moment, I’m quite calm, because finally I know that our potential can be high. If we continue working like we did in the second half of the season, we can do a really good job. The main question here is the weather because it looks like it can rain on Saturday and Sunday, but let’s see. It’s always very difficult to predict the weather here, but I think, if we work well, we have a great possibility.”
Is it possible to treat this like a normal weekend?
“For sure, an Italian has not won the MotoGP™ title since 2009, and Ducati has not won the [riders’] title since 2007. It would be my first title in MotoGP™ so, for sure, the pressure is there. I feel that I’ll start having the pressure*, but in this moment, I’m quite happy. I know that we did something really good this year, but we still have to finish the job and my main focus in this moment is on that.”
Does the experience from winning Moto2 title here in 2018 help at all? Have you spoken to Rossi about how he handled the pressure?
“My season is totally different compared to 2018, because there, it was very hard and it was my first title. But I feel more relaxed in this moment compared to 2018, but it’s something that will totally change tomorrow or Sunday, because normally you start to feel the pressure on the race day.”
Tested here, but how do you feel about the competitiveness of the bike now?
“I wasn’t believing that our potential was what we demonstrated in the test because we were very slow. I was trying to understand, I was trying to work, but it was very difficult to be constant, to be competitive, and from that moment, sincerely, we worked very hard to achieve this level. Sincerely, the biggest improvement was in Portimao – when we were in Jerez, everything was already at the top level – and from that moment, we have just adjusted something. But I think the biggest improvement from that moment was on me, finally on my mentality. In the second part of the season, it was the things I think that have given me more motivation to be here.”
FABIO QUARTARARO
Mission to enjoy yourself and get a result to keep the title alive?
“Especially you know, last races I didn’t enjoy so much but you know right now I’m in a position where I don’t really need to think about anything, just push myself to the limit. It’s of course a different mentality and I will of course make this GP in a different mood.”
How will the approach change?
“I would not say really pressure but I have the feeling I have nothing to lose right now in this moment, so of course I will approach the race putting myself on the limit from the beginning of the weekend, make some changes on the bike at the beginning of the weekend. Try to make some changes on the bike, I think this is something – every time we go to a track we feel super good and never touch something. I think it’s a good moment to, even if we have a good feeling, try to make an improvement in some areas. I think it’s a different situation than the previous ones.”
Does Pecco’s comeback give you hope?
“It’s not over. If he did it, we can do it. Like I said, of course the second part of the season has been horrible, but we can make it turn and try to really perform during these last two races.”
How do you think this year’s Yamaha will perform in Malaysia?
“Also in 2019 we struggled a bit in the last sector on the two long straights, but it’s a track I really enjoy, it’s one of my favourites. I will do my best to make the best qualifying, this is super important for us, and then we see during the weekend. The pace is always super good in all the places but it depends a lot on qualifying.”
What are you hoping for from Yamaha in 2023 to give you more margin to the limit?
“More margin, not sure as I think these two guys are also pushing to the limit. But just better performance, we are missing in every area, not only engine, so they know what they need to do. It’s not necessary to repeat it all the time, from the beginning of the year we have had meetings and they are working on it, and the Misano Test was positive with the engine. Let’s see if they can make a step on chassis.”
ALEIX ESPARGARO
Proud moment given 300th GP appearance coming up:
“Yes, I’m happy and proud, because to arrive in the MotoGP™ World Championship is the dream of every kid who loves bikes, but to be able to stay for such a long career is even more difficult, and 300 Grands Prix is crazy. I saw the stats last week, I saw the five names in front of me, and it’s unbelievable. I’m extremely happy and proud and hopefully I can make it one to remember here in Malaysia.”
Aim is to enjoy weekend and stay in title contention for VAL?
“Exactly, this is the target. The goal is to try and stop Pecco, which is going to be difficult because the form he showed in recent races – actually, the second part of the Championship – has been amazing, but I will try my best. I have the feeling that it’s more lost than won, this title, for me, so I can risk a little bit more, be a little bit more aggressive on race day, and hopefully bring it to Valencia.”
How much are you looking forward to this weekend and seeing how much your bike has improved since Sepang test?
“I mean, testing is testing, but in pre-season we were very strong, very fast, and we did a fast lap, but also we had consistency regarding the pace. But, from last February to here, everybody has improved quite a lot, but anyway I think it’s a track where the bike will work well. We have a lot of data that we didn’t have in Australia, Thailand, Japan, so, from the pre-season, here in Malaysia we have some data, even if we haven’t raced here since 2019. So, I think the Aprilia will be competitive here.”
What lessons have you learnt to ensure you will be fighting for title in 2023?
“We saw that in the races we didn’t have data, we struggled a lot. We lost a lot of time doing basic things like gearbox and many other things because the data we have from ’19 is completely useless for us – we have changed completely. So, I think it’s a good school for us in the future. We lost a lot of points in recent races, but if we are able to learn about this and change, a little bit, the way we work on these new tracks and we have the data for the future, I think we’re going to be stronger next season.”
ENEA BASTIANINI
Talk to us about the AUS comeback, and could you have won the race without your problems (qual 15th, airbag go off, drop to 20th)?
“It’s always difficult to say this after a race but, on the second lap, I had some bumps exiting the last corner and my airbag exploded; it’s very difficult to do that lap. In any case, after that, my feeling was quite good. The choice to put the hard on the front was the correct one, I think, and I closed the gap on the last lap, and it was possible to try and get onto the podium that Sunday. But, I’m really happy about my race because I have never had a good result at Phillip Island and it’s my first one, and we will see what we can do next year, but I’m happy.”
Where were you particularly strong here in winter test (when fastest) and can you fight for podium on Sunday?
“When I tried the ’21 bike during the test, I remember I was really excited because the bike was so strong and it was really beautiful to ride here. The conditions are really difficult, also physically at the Malaysian GP. It will be really hard but I’m ready to fight with the other riders and I think it will be more difficult than the test because the other Ducati riders and the ’22 bikes made a good step after two or three races, and my results also depend on this. But, we are ready to start, and to close this season in the best mode possible.”
Are you thinking about your chance for the Championship?
“My chance is very small, but I’ll try to do my best and it will be important to be fast on Friday because qualifying is always key to MotoGP™ now, and if you start behind, it’s difficult. Also, at this track, it’s really hot, and the pressure in the tyre will come up, but I’ll try to close this Championship in the top three because I think Aleix is the closest and can be our target.”
Do you think Bagnaia will win Championship this weekend?
“I think Pecco has this potential because Ducati is so strong but also Pecco is really fast at this track. But it depends also on Fabio because he has to be motivated to try to win the title and I think we will see tomorrow his potential for the weekend.”
MARC MARQUEZ
What did the result mean to you and the team?
“Yeah of course we take away from Australia really positive energy and some extra motivation I would say. When you, Honda, the engineers are working so hard, when the team has suffered, I suffered at home but they suffered at the track all season, and when some good news arrives, some good results – already in Japan with the pole, Thailand fighting with the top guys and the podium in Australia, means a lot. It’s important, it’s an important boost for next year. It’s true we’ll come back to our real place here because Australia is a very special circuit and one of my favourite tracks, but we’ll keep working for 2023, my main target is to keep on that positive evolution and it looks like we achieved it.”
Is keeping the balance between working for 2023 and focusing on now tricky?
“In Phillip Island we had many new items and we tried on Friday, then on Saturday I pushed to change the schedule because I saw it was possible to take a good result. I said ‘please, I want to concentrate for the race’, and then we forget a bit and we concentrate more on the weekend. But Malaysia is a good track to try new things, I will try a few new things tomorrow and we will continue if the weather accepts, I will continue on trying new things because it’s important, it’s the deadline for the Valencia Test. I will try the maximum, we will go out there and take a risk but always thinking about trying new things.”
Are these things already tried but are they new things for this weekend?
“In Australia I didn’t get to finish trying all these things. For example the tail wings, one example, the one you can see. The others I can’t say. I tried one run and we didn’t get good information so I will try here, but we have a few different things that someone inside Honda needs to try and we don’t have time, so we need to do it during a race weekend so I accept this role.”
Will this be the biggest physical test since the 4th operation?
“As I say in Thailand, three races in a row I felt like I needed a rest but it was important, but as soon as I got on the bike in Australia I felt a big improvement. Not only in the Australia GP, the way the muscles recovered from Australia to Malaysia was faster, and the muscles are relaxed in a better way. This track is one of the most difficult and most demanding for the hot conditions. But we are ready to fight and I don’t want to think about the arm anymore, it’s true we’ll improve especially during the winter, but I will try to give my 100% as we are.”
Thoughts on the Championship…
“Yes it’s the first chance for Pecco, he has a big chance to do it here. But I will say it’s the last chance for Fabio so he needs to react, and as a Champion he will react I expect. It will be nice to see how they will push all weekend, especially Fabio, as we did in Australia he took a risk, but here he has to take the real risk if he wants to have a chance in Valencia.”
ALEX RINS
How many times have you watched Phillip Island race already, and how much of a boost to you and Suzuki?
“For sure, we watched the race three or four times with the team before getting on the plane. It was so nice; I mean, it was an iconic race. As you said, it was the second-closest top 10 finish, so it was unbelievable, but I’m already thinking about the Sepang GP and let’s see. I have good memories from recent years here – 2018, ’19 – and also in the pre-season test, we were able to do a good test, a good set-up on the bike. We have some new items on the bike compared to February that can help us a little bit to improve the pace that we were doing in the winter test, so let’s go for it.”
Does your February performance make you confident of fighting for podium?
“I mean, it’s the target. The target always, in every race, is to try to fight for the podium positions. I think we have the level, we have the bike, so let’s go for it. Everything can change. Also, we need to see the weather conditions – it looks like on Sunday for the race, from 2 to 4pm, we will have rain. But we will start from Friday, giving everything, and then look at our chances.”
What has been your assessment of Honda’s performance?
“Sincerely, for me, Honda started the season quite strongly in Qatar. Pol made the podium, he was super-fast, also in the pre-season test he was impressive. After Marc came back, it’s true that he’s riding with some new items that the others, I think, are not riding with, and I saw the bike quite good. For sure, they need to improve a little bit more, but in the race in Phillip Island, when he was riding in front of me, I saw the bike turning quite well. Let’s see.”
Do you think Bagnaia will win Championship this weekend?
“For sure, he has the first chance to win the Championship here in Malaysia. It will be difficult for Fabio and Aleix because, as Enea says, in the winter test, the Ducati guys here were riding quite fast. But, I hope it waits until Valencia; it’s more exciting. It’s the last GP, the last in Spain – I would like it to wait until Valencia.”
Video: Ducati Unveils 2023 Streetfighter V4 Models
Ducati Unveils New 2023 Streetfighter V4 and Streetfighter V4 SP2: The “Fight Formula” Evolution
The Ducati Streetfighter V4 family evolves, applying the developments of the Panigale V4 range to the “Fight Formula”
New chassis set-up and more extensive and effective electronic package: new torque curves for each gear, Wet Riding Mode, Full Engine Mode
The Streetfighter V4 SP2 adds the exclusive technical specifications of the “SP” models to express its full potential on the track
Borgo Panigale (Bologna, Italy), October 20, 2022 – In the fifth episode of the 2023 Ducati World Première web series, Ducati presented the new Streetfighter V4 family. Ducati continues the evolution of the winning “Fight Formula” to remain at the top of the segment with the V4 and V4 S models, together with the more exclusive V4 SP2, delivers an unrivaled level of equipment.
Unveiled in 2020, the Streetfighter V4 was an instant success and set new performance benchmarks in the super sports naked segment. Appreciated for its aggressive and minimalist aesthetic and characterized by a front inspired by the Joker from the comic series, the Streetfighter V4 immediately entered the hearts of enthusiasts.
The natural evolution of the family is a bike that pushes the concepts of the “Fight Formula” even further, the key elements of which are the Panigale V4 stripped of the fairings, high and wide handlebars, 392 lbs (178 kg) weight, 208 hp Desmosedici Stradale engine, biplane wings and latest generation electronic package. An evolution that follows that of the Panigale V4 family.
The 2023 Ducati Streetfighter V4 conveys sportiness, through the standard single-seater configuration with the supplied seat and passenger footrests.
The design of the Streetfighter V4 is direct and minimal, with its full-LED front light and its V-shaped DRL that replicates the Panigale V4’s front view. The low, forward-canted front, extending the tank’s strong lines, gives a predator look to the Streetfighter V4.
The fuel tank has the same shapes as the 2022 Panigale V4, which is designed to better support the rider during braking and cornering. It has a greater capacity (4.5 gal) and is supported by new side covers.
The new “Front Frame” and the Desmosedici Stradale are left uncovered as much as possible, with minimal bodywork and streamlined lines, creating a clean, essential combination. In the V4 S version, the 2023 Streetfighter is available in a new, Grey Nero livery, with the contrast between the grey and the various black tones – dark and lucid bodywork, that brings out the technical components like brakes and suspension, and gives the motorcycle an ever more aggressive, but still refined look.
Electronics
The new Streetfighter implements the Power Modes logic already developed in the Ducati Panigale V4 and V4 S, obviously with calibrations dedicated to the Desmosedici Stradale engine in the Streetfighter configuration. There are four engine delivery strategies: Full, High, Medium, and Low. Full and Low are newly developed, while High and Medium have been revised in strategy. Full Power Mode allows the engine to have its full potential torque without electronic intervention, except for in the first gear. For the High and Medium Power Modes, a new Ride by Wire map management system has been developed with a dedicated calibration for each of the six gears, which ensures the rider to obtains the best possible acceleration every time the throttle is opened. On the other hand, the Low Power Mode has been designed for riding on low-grip surfaces, limiting the maximum power of the bike to 165 hp and offering a softer and more manageable throttle response. The dedicated Streetfighter V4 calibrations provide the rider with maximum connection between the throttle request and the torque delivered.
The 2023 Streetfighter V4 sees the introduction of the brand-new Wet Riding Mode to make riding even safer on low-grip surfaces. The standard equipment is upgraded by a lithium-ion battery for the S and the SP2 version (which is 3.7 lbs lighter than the previous one and already equipped on the Streetfighter V4 SP).
The dashboard of the 2023 Streetfighter V4 also follows the evolution followed by the Panigale V4. The graphics are revised in all views, to make the information more straightforward and allows the rider to make calibration adjustments easier.
As on the Panigale V4, the gear indicator is indicated via an external green LED signal. The dashboard offers the “Track Evo” display mode, which replicates the layout used on the MotoGP Desmosedici and provides an immediate view of the most important information and the intervention of the electronic controls.
The 2023 Streetfighter V4 also evolves due to the new Engine Brake Control (EBC) EVO 2 software which improves stability, precision and directionality in the braking and corner entry phases. This software features a different gear-by-gear calibration on each of the three selectable levels. The new strategy was developed to optimize the amount of the engine brake based on the load on the rear end. In the first braking phase, when there is little load on the rear tire, the EBC EVO 2 provides less engine brake, then increases it as you approach the center of the corner, where the intervention of the engine brake makes the most significant contribution in slowing down the bike and closing the line. This improvement provides additional control using the engine braking in all riding conditions and reduces the rear wheel from locking up in the most demanding braking sections.
The 2023 Streetfighter V4 also implements a new strategy for the Ducati Quick Shift (DQS) which improves the fluidity of shifting at every throttle opening, having dedicated strategies with the two situations for when the throttle is partially or fully open.
In partial throttle shifting, the strategy acts both through an injection cut and a reduction of ignition advance, making shifting smoother on roads.
In full throttle shifting, typical of track use, the DQS strategy is refined with an evolution of the torque return phase that gives more stability to the bike and more consistency, therefore reducing lap times.
Finally, the cooling fan control strategy sees an update that now offers better operating temperature management and greater thermal comfort for the rider at typical road use speeds.
Chassis and Ergonomics
On the new Streetfighter V4, the chassis also follows the evolution of the Panigale V4 family to offer enthusiasts stability improvements, front-end feeling and riding safety. The chassis includes a Front Frame and a single-sided swingarm, both in aluminum, with an upside-down fork and mechanically adjustable shock absorber on the V4 version.
The Streetfighter V4 S features semi-active Öhlins suspension (NIX30 upside-down 43 mm fork and TTX36 shock absorber) with SmartEC 2.0 interface, gaining versatility, effectiveness and quickness in set-up. In addition, on the V4 S version, the rims are Marchesini forged in aluminum alloy with important benefits in terms of nimbleness when changing direction and responsiveness in acceleration and braking due to the reduction of unsprung weight.
As on the Panigale V4, the swingarm pivot of the 2023 Streetfighter V4 is positioned .16 in (4 mm) higher, increasing the anti-squat action that helps the rider with greater stability, precision and the ability to maintain the trajectory in all acceleration situations.
The weight distribution also moves towards the front, loading it more and thus increasing accuracy and speed in corner entry. Finally, the ergonomics benefit from the new layout of the fuel tank, the shape of which offers greater support to the rider during braking and cornering. The wet weight of the 2022 Streetfighter V4 S stands at 435.4 lbs (197.5 kg).
Engine
The 1,103 cc Desmosedici Stradale, capable of delivering 208 hp at 13,000 rpm and 123 Nm, has seen a revised calibration to match the larger diameter of the silencer outlet, introduced to reduce the exhaust back pressure. In addition, on the right side there is the clutch cover of the Panigale V4, which allows you to mount the dry clutch and the clutch cover protection easily.
Streetfighter V4 SP2
To push the performance of the 2023 Streetfighter V4 even further, Ducati also presents the top-of-the-range Streetfighter V4 SP2 model in a numbered version. A bike ready to hit the track, the “Fight Formula” combined with the “SP” specifications, making it even more effective on the track.
The Streetfighter V4 SP2 is offered in the “Winter Test” livery, designed by the Centro Stile Ducati taking inspiration from the Ducati Corse bikes used during the pre-season tests of the MotoGP and WorldSBK Championships. The matte black of the bodywork, combined with the matte carbon finish of the rims and wings, contrasts with the bright red accents and the brilliance of the exposed brushed aluminum tank, which we also find on the side covers of the radiators. The progressive number of the bike is lasered on the handlebar.
The Streetfighter V4 SP2 is equipped with 5 split-spoke carbon rims, 3.1 lbs (1.4 kg) lighter than the forged aluminum ones mounted on the Streetfighter V4 S and able to reduce the moment of inertia by 26% at the front and 46% at the rear, making the bike significantly more nimble and lighter when changing direction. The Brembo Stylema R® front brake calipers give high braking power and exceptionally consistent performance even in the case of extended use on the track.
On the Streetfighter V4 SP2, the Desmosedici Stradale is equipped with the STM-EVO SBK dry clutch, which provides an improved slipper function, even in the most aggressive situations, and more fluidity in all “off-throttle” phases, essential to be effective on the track when riding at the limit.
The Öhlins suspension has seen an update with springs and hydraulics identical to those of the Panigale V4, which provide the rider the right confidence for riding at the limit.
The equipment is completed by adjustable machined aluminum foot-pegs that increase the lean angle and allow the rider to find the optimal position while riding, carbon front mudguard, carbon clutch cover**, block-off covers for removing the license plate holder and mirrors**.
Colors and Availability
The Streetfighter V4 V4 S and SP models will be available in the U.S. and Canadian dealerships starting in Spring 2023. The color range consists of Ducati Red and the new “Grey and Nero” livery, which will be available only for the “S” version and the Winter Test livery for the SP version. The United States pricing for the Streetfighter V4 will begin at an MSRP of $22,095 for the Streetfighter V4 in Ducati Red color, with the Streetfighter V4 S starting at $27,595 in Ducati Red and $27,795 for the Grey/Nero color, while the V4 SP will begin at an MSRP of $37,995 with the Winter Test livery. For Canada, the Streetfighter V4 will start at an MSRP of $27,295 CAD for the Ducati Red and the Streetfighter V4 S will start at an MSRP of $31,395 for Ducati Red and $31,595 CAD for Grey and Nero, while the SP version will start at an MSRP of $47,995 CAD with the Winter Test livery.
A wide range of accessories allows you to customize the Streetfighter V4 making it even sportier, starting with the Ducati Performance by Akrapovič full-racing exhaust**. Equipped with high silencers at the side of the tail, it allows a reduction of the total weight of 11 lbs (5 kilos) and raises the maximum power to 220 hp. Noise is within the limit of 105 dB (102 dB with the dB killer installed).
The accessories catalog also features street-legal slip-on systems, mudguards, an aero kit and carbon fiber frame and crankcase protections, billet aluminum controls, but also tire warmers and stands for those who want to use their Streetfighter V4 on the circuit.
#StreetfighterV4 #PushForward #StreetfighterV4SP2 #TheUltimateFormula
** This product is intended for vehicles used only on closed-course circuits. Operation on public roads is prohibited by law
Bagger Racing League: More From Daytona
Shane Narbonne Secures Second Consecutive Bagger Racing League Title on Pirelli DIABLO Superbike Slicks
Narbonne Takes the Bagger GP Class Win and Championship at Daytona
ATLANTA (October 19, 2022) – Pirelli Tire North America congratulates Trask Performance Racing’s Shane Narbonne on capturing his second consecutive Bagger Racing League Series Championship in the Bagger GP class. The final round of the season at Daytona International Speedway saw Narbonne capture the Bagger GP class victory aboard his Pirelli DIABLO Superbike-equipped Harley-Davidson, which was all he needed to clinch the 2022 title.
“I want to give a huge thank you to Pirelli for the amazing support they’ve provided me all season,” said Narbonne. “The tires Pirelli produces are just amazing and allow me to go out on the track and perform at the highest level. Also, thank you to Oscar and his entire team for their support on and off of the track. Pirelli Nation, we did it!”
Narbonne displayed speed and consistency throughout the four-round championship, finishing the season with two wins and two runner-up finishes. As the checkered flag waved in Daytona, he would be crowned champion with 22 points to spare on his nearest competitor.
“The Trask team with Shane as the pilot has been very exciting to work with,” said Oscar Solis, Senior Racing Manager, Pirelli. “They have come a very long way from their first race in 2021 to now. The entire team work extremely hard day in and day out and are always up for the challenge. Congrats to Shane and every member of the Trask racing team!”
Whether it’s a superbike or v-twin, Pirelli remains the motorcycle tire of choice for North American riders looking to reach the top step of the podium and log fast laps at events and series that do not have a spec tire rule. Narbonne’s Harley-Davidson Road Glide 1753 relied on the performance of the DIABLO Superbike range, displaying the capability and performance required to compete at the highest level in bagger racing.
For more information about the complete line of Pirelli motorcycle tires, please visit Pirelli.com
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